Preventing blood clots in critically ill children using enoxaparin

Age-dependent Heterogeneity in the Efficacy of Prophylaxis With Enoxaparin Against Catheter-associated Thrombosis in Critically Ill Children

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional Yale University · NCT04924322

This study is testing if giving enoxaparin to critically ill children aged 1-17 can help prevent blood clots related to central venous catheters better than the usual care.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment258 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations22 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 21 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04924322 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The CRETE Studies aim to evaluate the effectiveness of enoxaparin, an anticoagulant, in preventing central venous catheter-associated deep venous thrombosis (CADVT) in critically ill children. This study recognizes the age-dependent differences in how children respond to this medication, particularly focusing on those aged 1-17 years. By comparing early administration of enoxaparin to standard care, the study seeks to confirm its efficacy and safety in reducing the risk of CADVT. The research is crucial as pediatric venous thromboembolism has significantly increased in recent years, and current prophylactic measures are limited due to a lack of age-specific evidence.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are critically ill children aged over 36 weeks corrected gestational age to under 17 years who have had an untunneled central venous catheter inserted within the last 24 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with recent bleeding complications, major trauma, or those currently on anticoagulant therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of blood clots in critically ill children, improving their overall health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with enoxaparin in adult populations, but this approach in pediatric patients is novel and underexplored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

1. \>36 weeks corrected gestational to \<17 years old
2. \<24 hours after insertion of an untunneled CVC
3. CVC inserted in the internal jugular or femoral vein

Exclusion criteria

1. Radiologic diagnosis of CADVT in the site of insertion in prior 6 weeks
2. Currently receiving an antithrombotic agent, e.g., LMWH, UFH, warfarin and aspirin, but not UFH at dose to maintain patency of a vascular catheter
3. Presence of clinically relevant bleeding, i.e., hemoglobin decreased ≥2 g/dl in 24 hours, required medical or surgical intervention to restore hemostasis, or in the retroperitoneum, pulmonary, intracranial or central nervous system, in the prior 60 days
4. Surgery in the prior 7 days
5. Major trauma in the prior 7 days
6. Presence of coagulopathy, i.e., INR \>2.0, aPTT \>50 seconds or platelet count \<50 x 10\^3/mcL
7. Presence of renal failure, i.e., creatinine clearance \<30 mL/min/1.73 m2
8. Known hypersensitivity to heparin or pork products
9. Laboratory confirmed HIT
10. Current pregnancy or lactation
11. Presence of an epidural catheter
12. Limitation of care
13. Previous enrollment in the CRETE Studies

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 21 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Deep Venous Thrombosischildcritical illnessvenous thromboembolismenoxaparinthrombin generationbleed
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.